Bath Abbey’s walls to tell all.

Did you know Bath Abbey’s historic floor and walls are covered with over 1,500 memorial stones each with a different story to tell? Families will be able to discover the fascinating tales behind these ancient stones in the Abbey this October half-term.

As part of Bath Museums Week, members of the public can take part in family-friendly tours of the Abbey’s memorial stones on Monday 23 October; Tuesday 24 October; Wednesday 25 October and Friday 27 October at 10.15am, 11.15am, 12.15pm, 2.15pm and 3.15pm each day. The tours are 45-minutes long and have been especially tailored for families and children from the age of 7 upwards.

The Abbey floor is covered with memorial – or ledger – stones

Ollie Taylor, the Abbey’s Interpretation Officer, said: “There’s the familiar saying: “If only walls could talk.” In a way, ours can! The Abbey’s walls and floors are lined with over 1,500 historic memorials, each with a different story to tell. These ancient stones commemorate individuals from all walks of life; some grand, some ordinary, some happy, some sad, but all equally fascinating.

“Our Family Friendly Tours is a great way for parents and children alike to find out more about some of the wonderful characters who lived in or visited Bath hundreds of years ago. Through a combination of storytelling, dressing-up and hands-on history, we’re hoping to share these tales in a way that makes history more fun and more alive. We’d love for families going away from these tours to be able to say they’ve enjoyed themselves, and also to have learnt a little about the Abbey’s history, and to share their stories with others.”

Looking across from Bishop Montague’s tomb.

Bath Abbey’s ‘Family Friendly Tours of the Memorial Stones’ are being held on Monday 23 October; Tuesday 24 October; Wednesday 25 October and Friday 27 October. Tours are free, no booking required, last approx. 40 minutes and begin quarter-past the hour each day at 10.15am, 11.15am, 12.15pm, 2.15pm and 3.15pm. The tours are free but all visitors are invited to give a donation at the entrance. The activities are suitable for children over 7 and there is no need to book. However, please note there are limited places and it is on a first come first serve basis.